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Neural pathway in mice sheds light on how the brain regulates learned immune responses

The brain of humans and other animals is known to contribute to the protection of the body from infections. Past studies have unveiled the existence of the so-called conditioned immune response (CIR), which is a form of Pavlovian conditioning that entails the formation of mental associations between specific sensory stimuli (e.g., a specific odor, taste, etc.) and immunomodulatory agents (i.e., a substance that influences the immune system).

For instance, if an animal tastes a particular food shortly before becoming ill several times, re-experiencing the same taste can evoke an aversive response and even trigger an anticipatory immune response. While this CIR is now well-documented, its so far remain poorly understood.

Researchers at University of Haifa recently carried out a study aimed at better understanding the involved in these widely reported conditioned immune responses (CIRs). Their paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, outlines a neural pathway that appears to mediate the retrieval of CIRs in male mice.